Momodou arrived in Greece in 2020, after fleeing extreme violence and hardship in Gambia. At just 16 years old, he was seeking safety, stability, and a chance to rebuild his life. Through hard work, determination and the support of The HOME Project team, he was able to gradually overcome trauma and addiction, without ever losing sight of his dreams.
From his first days at our shelter, he managed to build strong friendships, which have lasted until today. "It was never boring. We learned each other's languages, shared cultures, and supported one another. When you have people from different countries living together, it's interesting, and you can learn a lot", he recalls.
Today, Momodou is training and working as a food runner at a restaurant on Kos Island, while also attending a football academy. However, his aspirations for the future are much bigger: “I want to create good hospitals and schools for children back home so they can have a better chance”, he admits. He would also like to expand his horizons within the hospitality sector as a young entrepreneur.
He recently reached a new milestone—he got his passport! “This passport is more than a document—it’s freedom, opportunity, and a chance to reunite with my family”, he says full of excitement for this new beginning, as well as appreciation for our resident lawyers who supported him every step of the way. His immediate plans include travelling to Germany and the U.S. so he can reconnect with his siblings.
The HOME Project played a crucial role in helping him discover his full potential and take charge of his future. "They taught me about love and kindness. They supported my education and taught me how to become independent. They gave me a home, became my family and helped me make my dreams come true. For all these things, I am truly grateful”, he concludes.
All Momodou needed was a fair chance in life, and today he stands as a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the unwavering belief that no dream is too big to pursue.